Thermoactivated fracture of graphene subjected to tensile strain

Graphene draws the attention of researchers due to its unique properties-in particular, record-high tensile strength. The time to fracture (TTF) of defect-free graphene strained by tension at a nonzero temperature has been studied by the method of molecular dynamics (MD). It is established that the time to thermoactivated fracture has a probabilistic character and obeys an exponential distribution. The mean TTF is proportional to the area of the graphene sheet and obeys the Arrhenius–Zhurkov law as a function of temperature and applied stress. The dependence of the activation energy for graphene fracture on the applied stress and sample area has been extrapolated to values of these parameters relevant for practical applications. The mechanism of graphene fracture has been analyzed.